Quick reference for the ground: numbers, money, connectivity and the unwritten rules.
Emergencies
- Police: 110
- Fire and ambulance: 119
- Japan Visitor Hotline, 24h English: 050-3816-2787
- Save your embassy's number before you go: Australian Embassy Tokyo, Embassy of India Tokyo.
Money
- Still a cash country in places; carry yen, especially for the Kiso valley.
- Withdraw at 7-Eleven and Lawson ATMs, which take foreign cards.
- IC card (ICOCA or Suica) for trains, buses and many shops.
- No tipping anywhere.
Connectivity
- Sort an eSIM or pocket wifi before you land. The eVisa is shown on the phone on arrival, so you need data.
- Apps: Google Maps, Google Translate (camera mode), Navitime or Japan Travel, smartEX for trains.
Power and practical
- Power is Type A plug, 100V, 50/60Hz. Bring a Type A adapter.
- Tax-free shopping over ¥5,000 at many stores with your passport.
- Use coin lockers and takkyubin luggage forwarding to travel light.
Etiquette
- Quiet on trains, no phone calls.
- Shoes off where there is a step up or tatami.
- Do not eat while walking; eat where you buy at markets.
- Stay out of Gion's marked private alleys; do not photograph geiko without asking.
Handy phrases
- Thank you: arigato gozaimasu
- Excuse me or sorry: sumimasen
- Yes / no: hai / iie
- How much is it: ikura desu ka
- Cheers: kanpai
